Experts call for strong seed systems to protect farmers against counterfeits
An agro-input shop in Iganga. Farmers are advised to buy seeds and other planting materials as well as inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides from trusted dealers. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE KATENDE
What you need to know:
- In his keynote address, Mr Claid Mujaju, Director Research and Specialists Services in Zimbabwe said contributions of regional varieties and registration of seed dealers would ensure seed security in Southern African Development Community(SADC).
Experts have warned that farmers in Uganda and other African countries will continue bearing the brunt of counterfeit seeds flooding the market, if seed systems remain weak.
Dr George Bigirwa, Director Center of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA) at AGRA, disclosed that currently, about 30 to 40 percent of seeds on the market are counterfeits, something that he said presents a challenge to farmers and the entire agriculture sector.
"The existence of counterfeits seeds on the market has discouraged some farmers from adopting some new varieties of seeds because quality remains an issue. Counterfeits result into poor germination and reduced crop yield," Dr Bigirwa told journalist at a seed industry stakeholder learning event held in Kampala from November 26 to 29, 2024.
The event brought together seed stakeholders from AGRA focus countries, including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, with the aim of encouraging knowledge exchange, partnerships, and sharing innovative solutions to the challenges facing seed systems in these countries.
Dr Bigirwa stressed the need for strengthening national regulatory agencies, to ensure that seeds that are supplied by both formal and informal suppliers meet the set requirements.
This, he said, will promote the growth and development of high-quality seeds and ensure sustainable productivity and food security in Africa.
"Critical components that drive seed system success, include breeding variety release and maintenance, early generation seed production, quality commercial seed production, farmer awareness and participation, seed markets and distribution, and the national seed policy and regulatory environment," he observed.
He revealed that AGRA had invested heavily in agriculture systems across Africa, with a particular focus on seeds as a key driver for agriculture transformation.
"Our support to seed companies, for instance, has resulted in improved seed varieties, with the resultant gain in harvests. Drought-resistant and climate-smart seed varieties contribute to resilience in the face of climate change, helping to safeguard food production ," Dr Bigirwa said.
According to him, enhanced crop productivity and increased climate resilience contributes to overall food security.
In his keynote address, Mr Claid Mujaju, Director Research and Specialists Services in Zimbabwe said contributions of regional varieties and registration of seed dealers would ensure seed security in Southern African Development Community(SADC).
Mr Chris Muwanika, the General Manager of NARO holdings, the business arm of National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) said scaling up public- private partnership will scale up the foundation of quality seed production.
